ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D Polymorphisms and Sports Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Sporting performance is a multifactorial phenomenon that is affected by many factors. Several polymorphisms have recently been associated with sports performance. ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X gene polymorphisms are some of these. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms and sports performance together with the results of studies conducted in the literature.

Methods: The review included studies on the relationship between ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms and sports performance from Feb 2014 to Feb 2024. The studies registered in PubMed, PubMed Central and Google Scholar search engines were scanned. The present review included 756 cases, 2,191 controls, and 178 individuals from the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. The PRISMA checklist and flow diagram were used to include data in the review.

Results: The review started with 224 studies, and the number of studies was reduced by 9. Then, a risk analysis was performed to determine whether 9 articles had a risk of bias. In the risk analysis conducted using the ROBINS-I tool, 3 articles were moderate, 3 articles were serious, and 3 articles were critical. Additionally, in the review, significant differences were found in 5 of the 9 studies (P<0.05).

Conclusion: ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms may be evaluated together with many parameters related to performance. To our knowledge, ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms may be important regulators for sports performance.